The young man sleeping on the kang bed had his second brother Han Zhu beside him, snoring at varying volumes. Not far from the bed was a yellow mud wall, aged with time, with several fine cracks through which the complaints of Han's mother and the sound of his father smoking a dry tobacco pipe could be heard. The young man slowly closed his sore eyes, hoping to fall asleep soon. He knew he had to wake up early tomorrow to go to the mountains with his friends to collect firewood.
This young man was named Han Li. Although his name sounded quite proper, it was actually given by Old Uncle Zhang at the cost of two steamed buns from his father. Old Uncle Zhang was the only literate person in the village, and he had named many of the children.
Han Li was nicknamed "Dummy," but he wasn't stupid at all. In fact, he was the smartest child in the village. He longed to escape this small village and see the outside world. But he didn't dare share this thought with others, as it would be surprising for a child to have such ideas.
Han Li had two older brothers, an older sister, and a younger sister. He was the fourth child and was ten years old this year. Although his family lived in poverty, he still wanted to find his younger sister's favorite red berries in the mountains.
The next day at noon, Han Li returned home carrying firewood on his back and a bag full of berries, unaware that an honored guest had arrived at home - his third uncle. Uncle worked as a manager at a restaurant in the city and was the family's pride. Han Li hadn't seen his uncle for a long time and liked him very much.
This time, Uncle came to take Han Li to participate in a recruitment exam for a martial arts sect called "Qixuan Men." Although Han Li was young, he understood the general idea. Uncle suggested letting Han Li take this exam, but Han's father was hesitant, having never heard of things like "martial arts world" and "sects" before.
Thus, Han Li's life was about to change, though he didn't know what the future would bring. Standing nearby, Han Li, despite his young age, could sense his father's hesitation and his mother's worry with his keen perception. He looked up at his uncle, whose round face bore a warm smile, but his eyes showed determination and expectation.
"Father, Mother, I want to give it a try," Han Li suddenly spoke up, his voice small but unusually firm. He knew this opportunity might be a chance to change the fate of their poor family, and he also wanted to leave this small mountain village to see the wider world.
Han's father looked up at Han Li, his eyes full of surprise and hesitation. He had never thought of letting his son venture into the unfamiliar "martial arts world," but seeing the determination in his son's eyes, he couldn't help but feel a strange confidence rising within him.
"Alright then, you can go," Han's father finally decided, taking a deep puff of his dry tobacco pipe as if to inject courage into his decision.
Hearing Han's father's answer, Uncle's face lit up with a satisfied smile. He stepped forward, patted Han Li's shoulder, and said encouragingly, "Good lad, you've got guts! Qixuan Men is a good place. As long as you work hard, you'll surely achieve something."
In the days that followed, Han Li began rigorous training under his uncle's guidance. He had to wake up early every day to practice martial arts, and in the evenings, he studied scriptures and sword techniques. Although it was hard, Han Li never complained once. He knew this was his first step out of the small village and a necessary path to realizing his dreams.
Time flew by, and soon it was time for Qixuan Men to recruit inner disciples. Han Li set off for Qixuan Men, carrying the expectations of his family and his uncle's encouragement. He didn't know what awaited him, but he knew that no matter what difficulties he encountered, he had to persevere, because this was his dream and his responsibility.
Wow, square in the uncanny valley.